Presentation Academy Groundbreaking Ceremony Set For $5 Million Arts & Athletic Facility

Posted: April 18, 2008
Presentation Academy will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $5 million Arts & Athletic Center. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 5, beginning at 10 a.m. (EST), at 900 South Fourth Street. The property is located across Fourth Street and south of the historic building at Fourth and Breckinridge that has been the home of Presentation Academy since 1893.
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz from the Archdiocese of Louisville will be joined by representatives from the Mayor's Office, Louisville Metro Council, state government, the Office of Catholic Education, the Catholic Education Foundation, and Presentation Academy in ceremonially turning over the first shovels of dirt during the groundbreaking. The entire student body will witness the special event along with Pres alumnae, donors and friends, and representatives of neighboring businesses and organizations.

The new Arts & Athletic Facility is a critical element in a vibrant and exciting future for the historic school that has more than 8,000 living alumnae. The project is also an investment in downtown Louisville, as Presentation considers the entire downtown area to be its campus. Presentation's unique location provides marvelous opportunities for young women to experience firsthand the business, social, religious, and cultural attributes that only a downtown school can offer.

As plans for the new facility move forward, Presentation is conducting the first capital campaign in its 176-year history. That campaign is know as "Tower Vision," a name that both is a nod to the tower that has been a focal point and architectural highlight of the school's historic campus building since 1893, and Presentation's plans for an exciting future as a thriving educational institution in downtown Louisville.

Presentation Academy Mission Club Participated in Alternative Spring Break, Mission Trip to Appalachia

Posted: April 18, 2008
The Presentation Academy Mission Club, a group of 14 Presentation Academy students, participated in a Alternative Spring Break with a four day mission trip to Appalachia. The group left Louisville on Sunday, Apr. 6, and returned the evening of Apr. 9. The trip was organized through Hand in Hand Ministries.

In addition to the students, several parents, a faculty member, a Board of Trustee member, and two Sisters of Charity accompanied the group.

The mission club was formed at the beginning of the school year to explore and participate in the many mission opportunities in the area. The group went to Auxier, Kentucky, which is located about 20 miles south of Prestonsburg in the Appalachian area. They spent most of their time with construction projects including moving a 2,500 gallon cistern, dry walling, painting, laying tile floors, and re-siding buildings with aluminum and/or lumber. In addition to the construction projects, they made quilts for elderly residents.

In order to participate in the trip the students had to raise money to cover costs as well as to make a contribution towards the work project. On Wednesday, Apr. 2, a commissioning ceremony was held in the Presentation Academy Chapel as a way to show support and prayers for the group.

Two Presentation Academy Seniors Sign National Letters of Intent to Play Volleyball for Campbellsville University

Posted: April 18, 2008
Presentation Academy seniors Shannon Cahill and Samantha James have signed National Letters of Intent to play volleyball for Campbellsville University. Both played outside hitting positions for the Toppers. A joint signing party was held at Presentation Academy to honor their accomplishments.


Presentation Academy Alumna of the Year & Hall of Fame Inductees Named

Posted: April 18, 2008
Presentation Academy will recognize seven alumnae of distinction at the annual Alumna of the Year & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The event will take place on Sunday, Apr. 27, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Presentation Academy gymnasium, located behind the historic school.

The Alumna of the Year is a woman who has made her life an example of commitment. She has demonstrated a willingness to serve and respond to the needs of others, and is distinguished in her efforts to live out the mission of our foundress, Mother Catherine Spalding. She is dedicated to preserving the high educational ideals for which Presentation Academy stands. The 2008 Alumna of the Year is Carole Moch Baines, Class of 1955. Carole has volunteered in numerous roles at Presentation Academy, including working in the Campus store since it opened in 2004.

The Hall of Fame honors those alumnae and/or faculty who have made outstanding accomplishments during or after their years at Presentation. The 2008 Inductees include: Athletics - Laura Lauder Tiesing '00; Education - Laura Murphy Glaser '60; English and Journalism - Lisa Grimes Vincent '83; Health Care - Christine Holtman '69; Service - Mary Gene Frank '68; Social Outreach - Sister Susan Jo Pohl '53, OSB.

Presentation Academy Principal Barbara Wine Has Been Named a 2008 Today's Woman Magazine Most Admired Woman

Posted: March 27, 2008
Presentation Academy Principal and alumna Barbara Flanders Wine '67 has been named a 2008Today's Woman Magazine Most Admired Woman in the category of Education. She will appear in the magazine's June issue.

Wine has been at Presentation Academy for over 26 years. She started as a math teacher and has served in various roles throughout her time including assistant principal, interim principal, dean of students and coaching the Toppers softball and volleyball teams. In 1999 she led the volleyball team to the finals of the State Tournament. In 2001 she was honored as Presentation's Alumna of the Year and in 2003 she was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. She has served in her current position as principal since 2004.

This is the sixth year the magazine has recognized women from the Louisville/Southern Indiana area in its Most Admired Woman Contest.  Women are nominated for one of 12 categories and are voted by readers of the magazine.

Presentation Academy Senior Jamie Mullett is the 2008 Father John H. Morgan Scholarship Winner

Posted: March 25, 2008
Presentation Academy senior Jamie Mullett was awarded the Father John H. Morgan Charitable Trust Scholarship at the Catholic Education Foundation's 18th Annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner held on Tuesday, Mar. 4, in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel & Suites.  

This scholarship is to be used for college expenses, and is granted annually to nine Catholic high school seniors, one from each local Catholic high school.


Presentation Academy Sophomore Christina Sauer Earns Pair of Prestigious Awards Within Five Days

Posted:March 20, 2008
Presentation Academy sophomore Christina Sauer accomplished a rare academic achievement recently when, over the space of just five days, she earned a pair of prestigious awards that honored her wide-ranging talents as an author and an interpreter of the work of William Shakespeare.

The 16-year-old learned on Feb. 27 that she had earned first place in a nationwide short story contest sponsored by Catholic EXTENSION Magazine and famed author Mary Higgins Clark. Christina then competed on Mar. 2 and placed first in a statewide Shakespeare competition sponsored by the English Speaking Union/Kentucky Branch.

Christina will receive a $500 prize for taking top honors in the short story competition and her story will be published in an upcoming issue of EXTENSION Magazine. An award presentation for Christina will take place during Presentation Academy's Honors Day on Friday, May 16.

Christina collected her second major honor during the 17th Annual Shakespeare Competition conducted by the English Speaking Union/Kentucky Branch on Mar. 2 at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville. Participants were asked to recite lines by a character from one of William Shakespeare's plays, along with a Shakespearean sonnet. She earned top honors in the Senior Division, grades 10-12, with her recitation of dialog by Portia from the Merchant of Venice (Act III, Scene II) and her delivery of Sonnet 90. She will represent the state of Kentucky at the national Shakespeare Competition on Apr. 28 at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

Presentation Academy Choral Groups Receive Highest Rating At Kentucky Music Educators (KMEA) Festival Music Competition

Posted: March 20, 2008
Two of Presentation Academy's choral groups - the Prezettes, the school's premier choral group, and the Tower Chorus - both received the highest rating of Distinguished at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Festival music competition held on Friday, Mar. 14.

A select group of 23 Presentation Academy juniors and seniors make up the Prezettes, a group that performs in a chamber setting. The group consistently scores high ratings in choral competitions. The Tower Chorus, in only its second year of inception, is comprised of 90 juniors and seniors. Both groups perform at Presentation's annual Christmas and Spring Concerts.

Presentation Academy has a long choral tradition that dates back to the 1940's and is currently under the direction of Catherine Smith. Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Arts Degree and Masters Degree in Education from the University of Louisville.

Presentation Academy's Top Hat Theatre Presents 'The Crucible' In The Kentucky Center's MeX Theater

Posted: March 5, 2008
Presentation Academy's Top Hat Theatre presents Arthur Miller's Tony Award winning drama "The Crucible." The production takes place on March 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. each night in the Kentucky Center's MeX Theater, 501 W. Main Street.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and must be purchased through the Kentucky Center box office at (502) 584-7777 or www.kentuckycenter.org. For more information please contact Presentation Academy Theater Director Charlie Douglas at (812) 944-4619.

Presentation Academy Freshman Wins First Place In Optimist Club Essay Contest

Posted:February 19, 2008
Presentation Academy freshman Serra Doll won first place in an essay contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Louisville. Contestants were asked to write an essay on the topic "Today's choices shape my future..." Serra wrote about how the choices we make today in regards to our environment, will seriously have an impact on our future. She will receive a savings bond, a medal of participation and will read her essay during a luncheon on March 4 at Masterson's Restaurant.

Presentation Academy Senior Eileen Dolan Named National Merit Finalist

Posted: February 18, 2008
Presentation Academy senior Eileen Dolan has been named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). NMSC is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1955 to honor outstanding high school students.

Eileen is a member of the National Honor Society, Quick Recall Team, the Prezettes, the Environmental Club, Interact Club, Soccer and Tennis Teams, and holds a 4.0 grade point average. She plans to major in Graphic Design, but is undecided about which college she will be attending next year. She is the daughter of Chris and Martha Dolan and a member of St. Pius X church.

Presentation Academy Ended Catholic School/Student Appreciation Week With A Pep Rally; 32 WLKY-TV In Attendance

Posted: February 1, 2008
In honor of Catholic Schools Week and Student Appreciation Week at Presentation Academy the whole school enjoyed a very spirited pep rally on Friday, Feb. 1. The cheerleaders, dance team and step team performed amid cheering from the entire student body. Seniors on the Winter Sports Teams were honored. The pep rally ended with the whole student body dancing to a crowd favorite "Cotton Eyed Joe."

In addition, Abby Miller from 32 WLKY-TV attended the pep rally to tape a segment of High School Cribs. This will air on Monday, Feb. 25 at 6 a.m. One of the items featured in this segment are the winners of each day's special dress attire. Monday - Twin Day, Tuesday - Dress as Your Favorite Harry Potter Character Day, Wednesday - Crazy Hair/Crazy Sock Day, Thursday - Dress as a Catholic School Boy Day, and Friday - Pres Spirit Wear Day.




Presentation's Annual Comedy Show 'My Funny Valentine'

Posted: January 22, 2008
Presentation Academy's Annual Comedy Show, "My Funny Valentine" will be held on Saturday, February 16 in Most Blessed Sacrament's Gymnasium, 1128 Berry Boulevard. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Featured comedians include Chris Edlin, Steve Caminiti and "Big John" Richardson. In addition, Stephanie Waskevich (Presentation Alumna Class of 2003) will provide
musical entertainment. Snacks will be provided and beer and soft drinks will be sold at a reasonable price. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 day of show. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Presentation Academy at (502) 583-5935. Must be at least 21 years old to attend. All net proceeds benefit the Presentation Academy athletic program.

Presentation Academy's Fourth Annual Trivia Night

Posted: January 4, 2008
Presentation Academy's Fourth Annual Trivia Night will be held on Saturday, January 19 in Most Blessed Sacrament's Gymnasium, 1128 Berry Boulevard. Doors open at 6 p.m. and play begins at 7 p.m.

The cost is $125 per team with a maximum of eight players per team. There will be 10 questions in each of 10 categories for a total of 100 questions. All teams are encouraged to bring their own food items, snacks will be provided and beer and soft drinks will be sold at a reasonable price. Coolers are not allowed. For more information or to reserve a table please contact Barb Kerins at 636-1804 or Ann Stein at 454-7382. This event is sponsored by the Presentation Academy Parent Association.

Presentation Choral Groups Featured On WBKI-TV'S 'A Presentation Academy Christmas', Other Christmas Specials

Posted: December 7, 2007
Two of Presentation Academy's choral groups - the Prezettes, the school's premier choral group, and the Tower Chorus - will perform favorite songs of the Christmas season on "A Presentation Academy Christmas," a 30 minute special that will air three times during the holiday season on Louisville's WBKI-TV.

"A Presentation Academy Christmas" will air on Saturday, December 22 at 12 noon (all times EST) and twice on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25. The airing on Christmas Day will be at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

In addition to appearing on "A Presentation Academy Christmas" the Prezettes will be among the choral groups performing on WBKI-TV's third Annual "Songs of the Season." They will also appear on WAVE 3's "Sounds of the Season" a Christmas special that will air on Louisville's WAVE 3-TV on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check local listings for broadcast times.

Both WBKI-TV programs may be viewed on Insight Cable Channel 7 in Louisville and on cable systems in surrounding counties. The station may also be viewed over the air and on satellite on Channel 34. In parts of downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana WBKI-TV can be viewed on Channel 28.
Presentation Academy's Fourth Annual Trivia Night


Placement Test For Eighth Graders At Presentation Academy Scheduled For Saturday, Dec. 8

Posted: December 4, 2007
Presentation Academy will host the STS High School Placement Test for eighth graders on Saturday, Dec. 8 beginning at 9 a.m. (EST). The placement test is the next step for admission into Presentation Academy. This standardized test helps to determine the level of classes offered at Presentation Academy that will best suit a student's needs. There is no need to pre-register, just bring two #2 pencils and $15 for the test fee.

Presentation Academy Presents Annual Winter Concert On Thursday, Dec. 6

Posted: November 30, 2007
Presentation Academy's annual Winter Concert is set for Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. (EST) in Memorial Auditorium, 970 South Fourth Street.

The Winter Concert is a musical celebration of the Christmas season that showcases the musical talents of Presentation Academy students. Several student choral groups are scheduled to perform including the Prezettes, the school's premier choral group.

Tickets for the Winter Concert may be purchased in advance at the school of at the door of Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 6.

Presentation Academy's Annual Light Up The Tower Celebration Scheduled For Sunday, Dec. 2

Posted: November 29, 2007
The Presentation Academy Annual Light Up The Tower Ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 2, from 4 - 7 p.m. (all times EST) at the school, 861 South Fourth Street.

The highlight of the celebration will be the illumination of Christmas lights that adorn the school's Tower and building. The Presentation Academy Tower has been a fixture in  the downtown Louisville skyline since the current school building was completed in 1893.

The lighting of the tower is scheduled for approximately 6:45 p.m. The celebration will also include a visit from Santa Claus, performances by Pres carolers, crafts and caroling for children, a Christmas boutique, a silent auction and a dinner served by the Presentation Academy Parent Association (Adults $7 and Children $3).

The Presentation Academy Campus Store will be open for anyone that wishes to purchase "Pres Wear." All are welcome to attend this holiday tradition

Presentation Academy's Annual Grandparent's Day And Feast Of The Presentation Liturgy

Posted: November 12, 2007
Presentation Academy is hosting their annual Grandparent's Day Liturgy on Tuesday, November 20 at 9:15 a.m. in the Presentation Academy gymnasium. All grandparents are invited to attend. In addition, Presentation Academy will also celebrate the Feast of the Presentation during the liturgy.

Presentation Academy's Open House

Posted: November 12, 2007
Presentation Academy's Open House for prospective families is Sunday, November 18. Stop By anytime between the hours of 12 - 3 p.m. (EST). Current students, and the entire faculty and staff will be there to answer questions about curriculum, co-curriculars, admissions, athletics, and the innovative leadership program.

Presentation Academy Celebrates All Saints Day

Posted: November 1, 2007
The Presentation Academy students, faculty and staff celebrated All Saints Day with a mass officiated by Father Joe Graffis. Father Joe encouraged everyone to think of saints as "role models" for us all.

Many students showcased their musical talents during the liturgy. A group of students led the singing, sophomore Kelly Sullivan played the flute and senior Eileen Dolan played the piano. In addition, students donated can goods to give to Dare to Care as a way to celebrate the good deeds of the many saints honored on this day.

Presentation Academy's Top Hat Theatre Presents Annie Get Your Gun

Posted: October 26, 2007
Presentation Academy's Top Hat Theatre presents the musical Annie Get Your Gun. The production takes place on Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. on both days at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street.

The drama production will showcase the talents of young women from Presentation and young men from various schools throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students and may be purchased in advance at Presentation Academy or at the door of the Clifton Center.

Presentation Academy's Dance Team Presents Dance Mania 2007

Posted: October 26, 2007
Presentation Academy's dance team is sponsoring their annual dance clinic, Dance Mania 2007, on Saturday November 3, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) in Presentation's gymnasium. The clinic is open to girls in second through eighth grades.

This year's clinic will feature music from Disney's High School Musical and will provide participants the opportunity to learn a variety of dance skills including pom, jazz and hip-hop.  All attendees will learn a routine choreographed by the team's National Award Winning Coach Melissa Herberger, and will be invited to perform at halftime of the November 27 Presentation Academy home basketball game.

Participants should dress in clothing that will allow the ability to move around easily (no jeans). The fee is $30, which includes a T-shirt, lunch and a CD of songs used for the routines. Please bring a water bottle, lots of energy and a positive attitude. For more information please contact Presentation Academy at (502) 583-5935.

Successful SACS Accreditation Team Visit

Posted: October 17, 2007
On September 17- 19 the Presentation Academy Board of Trustees, parents, students, faculty and staff welcomed the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Quality Assurance Review Team representing the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. The review team concluded that Presentation Academy meets all Seven Standards for Accreditation and is continuing to implement strategies and activities that fulfill its mission and reaches its goals.

In addition to the SACS Accreditation, Presentation Academy is also accredited by the Kentucky Non-Public Schools Commission, Inc.

"Cookie Lady" Elizabeth Kizito Addresses The Presentation Academy Family As The First Speaker In The Second Annual Leadership Speaker Series

Posted: October 16, 2007
Elizabeth Kizito, the "Cookie Lady" and president of Kizito Cookies, addressed students, faculty and friends of Presentation Academy on Tuesday, Oct. 16 as the historic Catholic academy for girls in downtown Louisville kicked off its second annual Speaker Series.

Kizito is the first of three distinguished women to participate in the second year of the Speaker Series, which is a component of Presentation Academy's Leadership Program and was launched in 2006 as part of the celebration for Presentation's 175th anniversary. She spoke to Presentation students, faculty, staff and friends of the school at Memorial Auditorium, 970 South Fourth Street.

After she delivered her remarks, Kizito was interviewed by Presentation Academy students Lauren Casada and Jamie Mullett and moderator John Asher, vice president for racing communications at Churchill Downs and a member of the school's Board of Trustees. The final 15 minutes of the one hour program was devoted to a question and answer session involving Ms. Kizito and other Presentation Academy students.

Kizito was born under a banana tree in Uganda. Her father taught her the business in his bakery when she was very young. She came to America to attend school in Colorado and New Mexico before she arrived in Louisville in 1978. She started her cookie business over 20 years ago after baking cookies at home to raise money for her son's birthday present. She opened her bakery on Bardstown Road in 1989 without the benefit of savings or a bank loan.

Throughout the Louisville area Kizito is fondly known as the "Cookie Lady." She is a familiar fixture at baseball games, festivals, and various other events selling cookies from a basket she carries on her head. She was named 2003 Woman Business Owner of the Year by the Louisville chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

The Speaker Series is part of the comprehensive Leadership Program at Presentation Academy. The Leadership Program includes Leadership Forums, Leadership Camps, Leadership Education at Presentation ("LEAP") Days, career shadowing  programs, mentoring programs, classes in leadership development, and student internships with businesses and professions located in downtown Louisville and throughout the community.

Click here to view the Speaker Series ad that appeared inThe Record on Oct. 5


Presentation Academy Honors Outstanding Women Leaders At The 12th Annual Tower Awards For Women Leaders Dinner



Posted: October 12, 2007
The career accomplishments and community service of six women and one organization were honored last night by Presentation Academy as the historic school presented its 12th Annual Tower Awards for Women Leaders recipients.

The awards recognize honorees in seven areas of public and were presented during the annual Tower Awards dinner in the Marriott Ballroom of the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 West Jefferson Street.

The Tower Awards for Women Leaders were conceived as an outgrowth of the leadership curriculum at Presentation Academy.

The event honors women who are leaders in their fields and strong role models for Presentation Academy students and other young women. All proceeds help fund financial assistance for Presentation Students.

The 2007 Tower Award recipients and their respective categories include:

Arts and Communication - Carolle Jones Clay, Vice President and  
Managing Director of Community Relations at Republic Bank

Business, Technology and Trade - Shirley Powers, retired Senior Executive Officer of Norton Healthcare

Education - Mildred Dougherty (Presentation Academy Class of 1938), retired Educator

Government and Law - Mary Gwen Wheeler, Policy and Management Director for Louisville Metro Government

Science and Health Care - Dr. Shin-je Ghim, Assistant Professor and Associate Scientist at the University of Louisville

Service - Clest Lanier, President of the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

Community Corporate Award - Sisters of Charity of Nazareth


Presentation Academy Math Teacher Steve Ashby's Roller Coaster Quest 2007

Posted: October 8, 2007
Presentation Academy math teacher Steve Ashby is not one to keep his feet on the ground, at least outside of the classroom. He spent his vacation, this past summer, traveling almost 2,300 miles and visiting 10 different amusement parks in 13 days. He rode 82 different roller coasters with a total of 209 rides.

An article about his adventure written by Courier-Journal writer Bob Hill can be obtained by clicking the link below.

www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071008/COLUMNISTS05/710090303


Presentation Academy's Annual Eighth Grade Leadership Forum



Posted: September 21, 2007
Each year Presentation Academy offers young women from area school's the opportunity to learn about leadership skills during Presentation Academy's Annual Eighth Grade Leadership Forum. This three-session series is planned and directed by Presentation students and focuses on developing and implementing leadership skills. The leadership forum is held at Presentation Academy and at businesses in the downtown Louisville community.

The first session was held today at Presentation Academy and was attended by 44 eighth grade girls. This session focused on facing challenges and was filled with learning, and many fun activities. The participants worked on setting goals and solving problems, communicating well with others, accepting others and overcoming prejudices, and working in teams to accomplish tasks.

Presentation Academy Senior Eileen Dolan Named National Merit Semifinalist

Posted: September 12, 2007
Presentation Academy senior Eileen Dolan has been named a National Merit semifinalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). NMSC is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1955 to honor outstanding high school students.

Eileen is a member of the National Honor Society, Quick Recall Team, the Prezettes, the Environmental Club, Interact Club, Soccer and Tennis Teams, and holds a 4.0 grade point average. She plans to major in Graphic Design, but is undecided about which college she will be attending next year. She is the daughter of Chris and Martha Dolan and a member of St. Pius X church.

Presentation Academy Senior Natalie Heitz Wins Jefferson County Invitational Tournament

Posted: September 11, 2007
Presentation Academy Senior Natalie Heitz shot a 1-over-par 35 to win the Jefferson County Invitational Tournament and capture her first high school tournament win. 

Click on the link below to view the article written by Courier -Journal writer Jason Franke. 

Natalie Heitz Wins Jefferson County Invitational (pdf)




Presentation Academy Honors 80 Students During The Second Annual Academic Awards Dinner

Posted: September 10, 2007
On Sunday, September 9, at Masterson's Restaurant, Presentation Academy honored the academic of achievements of 80 students from the 2006-07 school year during the Second Annual Academic Awards Dinner.



Awards were given to the top five percent of placement test takers, Julia Vissing Memorial Scholarship recipients, the William J. and Anita Dodd Memorial Scholarship recipient, new National Art Honor Society (NAHS) members, new National Honor Society (NHS) members, and Sophia Award recipients.

The Sophia Award was established in 2006 to honor students that made the honor roll all four quarters of the previous school year. Sophia is the feminine form of "Sophi" which in Greek means wisdom.

Presentation Academy Officially Kicked Off 176 Years With School Opening Liturgy

Posted: August 31, 2007
Presentation Academy students, faculty and staff gathered in the gymnasium this morning to officially kick off the 176 year of excellence in education at the school's opening liturgy. The mass was officiated by Father Joe Graffis, pastor of St. Edward Church.

All new members to the Presentation family were asked to stand and be recognized including students, faculty and staff. Everyone applauded as 100 new members were welcomed to our Pres Family.

 In addition the theme for the school year was unveiled by Presentation Academy President Sister Chris Beckett, SCN and Principal Barbara Flanders Wine '67. This year's theme is "The Good Egg."  Students were asked to break out of their "shells" and hatch new ideas and relationships with one another. Each member of the Pres Family was given a plastic egg with a name inside that represents a special "Good Egg" and a person to pray for during the school year.

First Day of School At Presentation Academy Full of Many Surprises
Posted: August 15, 2007
Today at Presentation Academy in addition to welcoming new students and faculty everyone was surprised at the number of updates to the historic building.

Updates include a new handicap accessible ramp, new lockers and desks, a second state of the art computer lab, and the repaving of the courtyard. In addition three of the schools bathrooms are undergoing renovations and will be ready by early October.

The freshmen class, Class of 2011, performed the ceremonial rite of passage as they entered Presentation Academy through the stained glass doors that face Fourth Street for their first day of high school. These are the same doors they will exit on their last day of their senior year. This is one of the many traditions that is celebrated each year at Presentation Academy. Another tradition that freshmen partake in on their first day is meeting their senior "Big Sister." A senior and a freshman are paired together and the senior is asked to be a role model and mentor for the freshman. This is a great way for the younger students to transition into high school.

Two Presentation Academy Students Selected As Today's Woman Magazine's Today's Girl Winners

Posted: July 30, 2007
Two Presentation Academy students, Jamie Mullett '08 and Kate     Smith '11 are two out of only 10 young woman selected by Today's Woman magazine as 2007 Today's Girl Winners. They are both featured in the magazine's August issue.

A panel of judges, based on their essay responses, leadership skills, academic achievements and community involvement, chose the winners. This is only the third year for the contest, and the first year that a Grand Prize Winner was chosen.

Jamie was selected as the Grand Prize Winner of the "Shot in the Arm" grant sponsored by The Little Clinic. She will receive a $1,500 grant. (Photos courtesy of Today's Woman Magazine)

Click on the link below to view complete article in Today's Woman magazine.
www.iamtodayswoman.com/2007/August/Aug07TodaysGirls.html

Demolition Of Building At 900 South Fourth Street To Make Way For Planned Arts, Athletic Facility 

Posted: July 23, 2007
Presentation Academy began demolition of a building located at 900 South Fourth Street on Monday, July 23. The property is adjacent to the school's historic campus at Fourth and Breckinridge streets and was purchased by the school last September to house the academy's new Arts and Athletic Center.

Metro Louisville government officials granted Presentation Academy permission to raze the building, which is located across Fourth Street and south of the historic building that has been the home of Presentation Academy since 1893.

West End Demolition of Louisville is demolishing the existing structure. That work began on Monday, July 23 and will continue for two weeks. The building should be completely demolished by the time students return to class on August 16.

Ongoing Updates To The Historic Presentation Academy Building

Posted: June 30, 2007
Even though the halls of Presentation Academy are empty of students, it is still been a busy time for the historic school. Many volunteers, including parents, board members and friends of Presentation Academy are giving of their time to build a new handicap accessible ramp, replace old desks with all new, update a portion of the library into a new media center,which will include 26 new computer workstations, and replace old lockers with brand new ones.

Abbey Breit '04 Named Ohio Valley Conference Female Athlete Of The Year

Posted: June 15, 2007
Presentation Academy alumna Abbey Breit (Class of 2004), a junior at Jacksonville State University, has been named the Ohio Valley Conference Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first JSU student athlete and only the fifth volleyball player to receive this honor, since its start in 1977.

Breit is a chemistry major and holds a 3.9 cumulative GPA. 
For more information about her award, please visit JSU's website http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/article.asp?articleid=86089
 

Sister Miriam Corcoran, SCN Scholarship Recipient Honored

Posted: May 15, 2007
This year's recipient of the Sister Miriam Corcoran, SCN Scholarship is Katherine "Kady" Miller. Kady attended St. Pius Elementary School and was one of thirty-three freshman selected to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship is based on merit, character, behavior, academic standing and financial need. The students applying must write a 300-500-word essay on a topic concerning Presentation Academy. This year's topic was : The opening line of the Presentation school song says, "Presentation, we're proud of you." Reflect on these words and consider the ways you can live them. How can your actions, attitudes, behaviors, appearance, etc., prove that you are truly proud of Presentation and try to contribute positively to her reputation?

A group of 1963 alumnae established the scholarship as a way to say "thank you" to the nurturing spirit of Sister Miriam and Presentation. The scholarship is awarded to a current freshman to be used during her sophomore year.

Presentation Academy Relief Tiles Depict The Historic School

Posted: May 8, 2007
A ceramics class at Presentation Academy designed ceramic relief tiles that depict the school's historic building.
Art teacher Susanne Iles assigned each student one square of the 25" x 25" art piece. Each 5" x 5" square is created out of terracotta clay. Together all of the tiles depict the historic Pres building.The piece was made to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Presentation Academy and is displayed in the first floor hallway.



Two Presentation Academy Seniors Sign National
Letters Of Intent

Posted: April 30, 2007
Senior Alden Krausse (shown right) signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Indiana University Southeast. Krausse was a starting center for the Presentation Academy Toppers and was named to the All-State Honorable Mention team by The Courier-Journal.


In addition, senior Linsey Schmalz(shown left) signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for Bellarmine University. Schmalz was a starting middle hitter for the
Toppers.




Presentation Academy Names Maria Lynette Scharfenberger '82 the 2007 'Alumna Of The Year'

Posted: April 24, 2007
Presentation Academy will honor Maria Lynette Scharfenberger (Presentation Academy Class of 1982), prevention specialist for Seven Counties Services and co-founder of Louisville's Hispanic/Latino Coalition; La Casita Center and Catholic Worker/Casa Latina, as the school's "Alumna of the Year."

The "Alumna of the Year" award is presented annually to a Presentation Academy graduate who has made her life an example of commitment. The honoree has demonstrated a willingness to serve and respond to the needs of others, and is distinguished in her efforts to live out the mission of the school's foundress, Mother Catherine Spalding. Each recipient is a modern woman in a modern world, dedicated to preserving the high educational ideals for which Presentation Academy stands.

"I am grateful for the start I received at Presentation Academy," said Scharfenberger. "I learned the power of the spirit of community, the delight of knowing people different from myself, and the strength of being a woman."

In her current position as prevention special for Seven Counties Services, her responsibilities include facilitating support and empowerment groups for Latina women, teaching parenting curricula to Spanish speaking individuals in three counties, and collaborating with community agencies, churches, coalitions, neighborhood groups and individuals to determine and meet the needs of the area's growing Latino population.

The "Alumna of the Year" award was  presented to Scharfenberger during a reception held on Tuesday, April 24, at Presentation Academy, 861 South Fourth Street.


Presentation Academy Students Selected For Governor's Scholars Program And Governor's School For The Arts

Posted: April 21, 2007
Juniors Natalie Heitz and Caitlin Maguire have been selected to represent Presentation Academy this summer as part of the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program (GSP). Junior Eileen Dolan was selected as an alternate.

The Kentucky GSP was established in 1983 and is a state sponsored program for rising high school juniors. Students spend five-weeks on a college campus and take part in a liberal arts program that includes academics, personal growth, co-curricular activities and residential life experiences. The 2007 program will be held at Bellarmine University, Centre College and Morehead State University. Close to 2,000 students from across the state applied for the program and only 1,150 were accepted.

In addition, sophomore Rachel Harpe will represent Presentation Academy at the Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) program this summer.

The GSA program is a three-week summer program, which provides "hands-on-arts" opportunities for talented high school students. The residential program includes art workshops, master classes, a college and career day and performances by visual artists. The 2007 program will be held at Transylvania University.

Former "Miss America" Heather French Henry Addressed The Student Body As Part Of The Presentation Academy Speaker Series

Posted: April 20, 2007
Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000 and executive director of the Heather French Henry Foundation For Veterans Inc., addressed students, faculty and friends of Presentation Academy on Friday, April 20 as the final speaker in the first year of Presentation's Speaker Series.

Henry delivered her remarks at Memorial Auditorium and was interviewed by Presentation Academy students Sarah Pomerleau and Emily Spencer and moderator John Asher, vice president for racing communications at Churchill Downs and a member of the school's Board of Trustees. The final 15 minutes of the scheduled one hour program was devoted to a question and answer session involving Ms. Henry and other Presentation students. Henry's appearance at Memorial Auditorium followed a breakfast reception at the school.

An address by former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins, who now serves as chair and CEO of the Kentucky World Trade Center, launched Presentation's Speaker Series in October. The second speaker in the series Betty Winston Baye, editorial writer and columnist for The Courier-Journal, addressed the assembly in January.

The Speaker Series is part of the comprehensive Leadership Program at Presentation Academy. The Leadership Program includes Leadership Forums, Leadership Camps, Leadership Education at Presentation ("LEAP") days, career shadowing programs, mentoring programs, classes in leadership development, and student internships with businesses and professions located in downtown Louisville and throughout the community.

Two Presentation Academy Students Honored During The Kentucky United Nations Assembly

Posted: March 23, 2007
The Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), sponsored by the YMCA, met on March 18-20 at the Executive West Hotel. Over 900 high school students from all around Kentucky attended the three day conference representing member countries of the United Nations. Students debated proposals on international issues.

Presentation Academy represented Egypt with a 17-member delegation. The Pres students researched and prepared a proposal on how the pollution issue in Egypt is not only changing the environment and causing significant health issues, but is also destroying artifacts from early Egyptian civilizations.

Junior Natalie Heitz was one of only 17 students recognized as an outstanding speaker and delegate. As part of her recognition she will be considered for attendance at a national conference held in Black Mountain, North Carolina in July. Senior Madalyn Payne was selected to be a member of the Service to the Commonwealth Program, which focuses on mission activities in the state of Kentucky in July.

Presentation Academy Freshman Places Third In Optimist Club Essay Contest

Posted: March 7, 2007
Presentation Academy freshman Andrea Witt placed third in an essay contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Louisville. Contestants were asked to write an essay on the topic "I want to make a difference because..." She received a $100 savings bond, a medal of participation and read her essay during the Optimist Club Luncheon held on March 6, at Masterson's Restaurant.


Art Club Mural Dedicated To Teacher's Late Husband

Posted: January 23, 2007
Presentation Academy's student art club completed a mural in the school's third-floor science wing after nearly a year-long effort. It's a colossal painting that uses bold colors to depict four of the earth's biomes: the ocean, rain forest, desert and tundra.

It is dedicated to the Richard "Dick" Wicke, the late husband of Meg Wicke, a former Presentation Academy art teacher and 1984 graduate. Dick Wicke died of a brain tumor in February 2006.


Celebrating 175 Years Of Leadership

Posted: November 9, 2006 
This year marks 175 years of tradition, education, leadership, and service at Presentation Academy. As the oldest continuously operating secondary educational institution in Louisville, Presentation survived the Civil War, two world wars, the cholera epidemic of 1832, two fires, and the flood of 1937. In 1831, when Mother Catherine Spalding founded Pres, Andrew Jackson served as president and Nat Turner unsuccessfully led a slave rebellion in Virginia. Since then, Pres students have witnessed the end of slavery, the rise and fall of prohibition, the assassinations of four presidents, the passage of the 19th Amendment, desegregation, and the first human steps on the moon.

To honor Pres and all that it stands for in this, its 175th year, a number of celebratory events have been planned. In addition to the distribution of a commemorative issue of The Tower, book, pins, and other merchandise, there will be “Homecoming to the Tower” events held in the months of November and December. On Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 6:00 pm, a special mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption will honor the anniversary. All are invited to attend this historic celebration.
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